UWA’s IQX co-working space, which will be officially launched this month, is just the first step towards promoting innovation between staff, students, researchers and small business, according to the university’s Innovation Quarter manager Jo Hawkins.
Ms Hawkins said UWA’s decision to renovate the Nedlands Masonic Hall and partner with Business Foundations to create an innovation space was not part of a real estate plan.
“Success isn’t about being at capacity, it’s about being full of like-minded people who are solving problems for WA,” she said.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“That value and vision fit is so important to us.
“Residents here are so generous with their time for our students and we’re committed to backing them.”
WeDispatch, a technology business that improves the efficiency of delivery options, was one of the first businesses to move in last year.
Chief executive Andrew Walker said the start up was already based on campus so it was a natural to move over to IQX.
“It fitted well with the collaboration we already had on campus,” Mr Walker said.
“The biggest thing for us is the connections you make through the space and with the uni.”
Curve Tomorrow founder Mohinder Jaimangal has just moved in after deciding to expand the health technology start-up to Perth.
“We were looking to launch in WA, in Perth, and this (IQX) was the obvious choice because of the opportunity to work with the uni and be close to hospitals,” Mr Jaimangal said.
IQX Space Curator Zoe Vos said the space had taken on a life of its own.
“Most businesses tend to be techs but we cater for all facets from health to not-for-profit,” Ms Vos said.